SOMERSWORTH — Remembering people who succumbed to injuries in national and foreign wars themed this year's Hilltop Memorial Day Parade and subsequent ceremonies.

The parade stepped off from the American Legion Post 69 at 10:30 a.m. sharp with a group of families and organizations in tow, including the Somersworth Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Catholic War Veterans, Cub Scout Troop 195, the Somersworth High School Band a variety of little league teams.

The parade continued up Green Street, took a left up Franklin Street and came to a halt in front of the Old City Hall on Main Street for the Legion's annual ceremony at a nearby monument.

Legion Parade Organizer Ray Lapointe spoke of taking the time that day to remember those men and women who give their lives to support the United States.

After Lapointe spoke, Somersworth Mayor Matt Spencer took the microphone and spoke of the price of freedom and what it means to the community of Somersworth and worldwide.

"They were scouts, they were ballplayers, they were you, they were us," said Spencer.

The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony on the Somersworth and Berwick, Maine bridge. After the wreath was thrown into the water, participants threw flowers into the water to further the commemoration.

Commander of Post 69 Ray Doyon said his only hope for the Legion is that the parade is able to be continued. Doyon said veterans from the more recent wars are not becoming involved in the Somersworth American Legion and he said its only a matter of time before the past generations of veterans will "dry out" and there will be no one to carry the torch.

"I can only hope this will continue," said Doyon.

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John Huff/Staff photographer
Melina Bandouveres, 5, holds a flag while watching the Somersworth Memorial Day Parade on Main St. Monday.

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John Huff/Staff photographer
Somersworth Scouts salute during the playing of the national anthem at Somersworth's Memorial Day Parade and service Monday.